London coronavirus: Schools to close on Friday 'until further notice' as coronavirus deaths rise

Boris Johnson has said schools will close their doors on Friday (Image: PA Video/PA Wire)

All schools in England will now close until further notice on Friday, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced.

He made the announcement when addressing the House of Commons this afternoon (Wednesday, March 18) stating that “when schools close their doors on Friday” they will remain closed.

This comes as many schools across London had already put partial or full closures in place, either due to a lack of staff or suspected coronavirus cases.

Speaking at the daily press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said: "I can announce today that after schools shut their gates from Friday afternoon, they will remain closed for most pupils until further notice.